Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while George Washington and French General Rochambeau spent much time here.

Mon, May 11, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Fairfield Woods Branch Library, Fairfield

Open to the public

Of all the legendary figures who have come through Connecticut, few have had the staying power or notoriety that The Leatherman has achieved. For six years during the late 1800s, this so-called "vagabond" hiked the same, 365-mile, circuitous route every 34 days like clockwork. Residents could predict when he would return to their town. Wearing a suit made entirely of leather (from head to toe) that he made himself, he conversed with no one and slept in caves. And, we still don't know who he was. But, people loved him.

Thu, May 21, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

Southington Land Trust

Manor Inn, Southington

$40 per person (buffet dinner)

RSVP by May 12 either at:

https://tinyurl.com/mr2wpz7n

or by email:

info@southingtonlandtrust.org

‍Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Wed, May 27, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Woodbury Public Library

Open to the public

Most of Connecticut’s coastline abuts Long Island Sound. Over the centuries, CT sailors have taken to the high seas on some very notable and remarkable journeys. The first American to spot Antarctica sailed from Stonington. The crew that recovered the lost British ship The Resolute (from which the President’s Oval Office desk was made) was from New London. CT was second only to Massachusetts in whaling. The historic and handsome lighthouses along the shoreline hold stories of their own.

Thu, May 28, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

Fair Haven Branch of New Haven Library

Open to the public

Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Thu, Jun 4, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Terryville Public Library

Free and open to the public

Registration required: https://terryvillepl.info/event/america250-the-importance-of-connecticut-to-the-american-revolution/

When the French sent troops to help the Continental Army defeat the British in the Revolutionary War, they were led by General Rochambeau. The 5,000 soldiers sailed from France to Rhode Island and then had to march nearly 700 miles to Virginia for the final battle against the British. They camped in nine towns in Connecticut over those two weeks, including Middlebury, Newtown, and Ridgefield. Plus, American General George Washington and Rochambeau held their two strategy meetings in Connecticut.

Wed, Jun 10, 2026; 1:00 p.m.

Brookfield Senior Center

Talk is free but for Brookfield Senior Center members only

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Thu, Jun 11, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

McKnight Room, Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, CT

Open to the public

Early registration recommended due to limited seating: https://library.ellington-ct.gov/

‍ Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman (of New Milford), Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Wed, Jun 17, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Brookfield Public Library

Free and open to the public

Registration required: https://brookfieldlib.librarycalendar.com/events/month/2026/06

Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Wed, Jun 24, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

South Windsor Public Library

Open to the public

‍ It was 1777, two years into the Revolutionary War, when a weekend military mission into inland Connecticut was supposed to be an easy victory for the British. The mission was to help put down the Patriot uprising. The mission’s objective was to march from Long Island Sound to Danbury and incapacitate it as a key supply center for the Patriot military. It was the first time the British had marched inland to do battle during the war. The strategy did not work out as they had planned. Included in the presentation are reviews of the battles that took place that weekend in Danbury, Ridgefield and Saugatuck.

Thu, Jun 25, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Woodbury Public Library

Open to the public

When the French sent troops to help the Continental Army defeat the British in the Revolutionary War, they were led by General Rochambeau. The troops landed in Rhode Island and had to march nearly 700 miles to Virginia to engage in the final and decisive battle of the Revolutionary War. They marched 120 miles through Connecticut, crossing four major rivers and camping in nine locations over two weeks. The logistics of this march were absolutely remarkable – moving and feeding 5,000 men and 4,000 animals. They could only go as fast as their oxen could pull their 300 wagons – one-and-a-half miles per hour.

Tue, Jul 21, 2026; 2:00 p.m.

Southbury Public Library

Open to the public

Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Wed, Jul 22, 2026; 5:30 p.m.

Essex Library Association

Open to the public

Registration requested: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsCalendar.cfm?SiteID=1314

‍ ‍Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Thu, Aug 6, 2025; 6:30 p.m.

Sherman Library

Open to the public

‍ Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Mon, Aug 10, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

Southington Public Library

Free and open to the public

Registration not required, but patrons who do sign-up in advance will receive an automated reminder: https://southington-ct.whofi.com/

Most of Connecticut’s coastline abuts Long Island Sound. As you venture east, though, the Sound becomes the Atlantic Ocean. Over the centuries, CT sailors have taken to the high seas on some very notable and remarkable journeys. The first American to spot Antarctica sailed from Stonington. The crew that recovered the lost British ship The Resolute (from which the President’s Oval Office desk was made) was from New London. CT was second only to Massachusetts in whaling – and we have the last intact wooden whaling ship afloat from those years. Most people don’t know that a submarine, with 41 crewmen, sank in Long Island Sound 100 years ago. The historic and handsome lighthouses along the shoreline hold stories of their own. These stories from the high seas help one realize the importance of the state’s contribution to maritime history.

Tue, Aug 18, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

Plainville Public Library

Open to the public

Early registration is recommended (library’s online calendar opens for reservations Jul 18)

Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Fri, Aug 21, 2026; 1:30 p.m.

Killingly Community Center

Sponsored by Learning in Retirement-Danielson

Open to the public

‍ Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Thu, Sep 10, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

New Milford Public Library

Free and open to the public

Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Mon, Sep 14, 2026; 1:30 p.m.

Hilltop Senior Center in Bridgewater

Open to the public

Connecticut played an outsized role in winning U.S. independence from the British Empire. Prominent historical figures contributed to the formation of the new country, while Connecticut earned the nickname “the provision state” because of its supplies of food and ammunition to the Continental Army. Military actions in Danbury, Ridgefield, Saugatuck, Groton, New London, New Haven, Greenwich, Norwalk, and Fairfield were significant. Roger Sherman, Israel Putnam, Jonathan Trumbull, Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, and others played critical roles, while other notable figures visited the state during the Revolutionary War years: George Washington, French General Rochambeau, John Hancock, and more.

Tue, Sep 15, 2026; 2:00 p.m.

Southbury Public Library

Open to the public

‍ Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side. Once he did trade allegiances, one of his most devastating campaigns targeted New London, which was largely burned to the ground, and the gruesome attack on Groton’s Fort Griswold.

Wed, Sep 16, 2026; 5:00 p.m.

Public Library of New London

Open to the public

Seating limited

Advanced registration required: https://plnl.libcal.com

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. Up until that point, Arnold was considered the best battlefield general on the Patriot side and George Washington considered him a close personal ally. When looking at reasons for Arnold’s traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich – and the huge impact that had on him – are often overlooked.

Sun, Sep 20, 2026; 2:00 p.m.

Stratford Historical Society; 967 Academy Hill in Stratford

Free and open to the public

Registration required: https://www.stratfordhistoricalsociety.org/

Of all the legendary figures who have come through Connecticut, few have had the staying power or notoriety that The Leatherman has achieved. For six years during the late 1800s, this so-called "vagabond" hiked the same, 365-mile, circuitous route every 34 days like clockwork. Residents could predict when he would return to their town. Wearing a self-made suit of leather, from head to toe, he conversed with no one and slept in caves. And, we still don't know who he was. But, people loved him.

Tue, Sep 29, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

North Haven Memorial Library

Open to the public

Of all the legendary figures who have come through Connecticut, few have had the staying power or notoriety that The Leatherman has achieved. For six years during the late 1800s, this so-called "hobo" hiked the same, 364-mile, circuitous route every 34 days like clockwork. Residents could predict when he would return to their town. Wearing a self-made suit of leather, from head to toe, he conversed with no one and slept in caves. And, we still don't know who he was. But, people loved him.

Thu, Oct 22, 2026; 2:00 p.m.

Southbury Public Library

Open to the public

When the U.S. Constitution changed to outlaw alcohol, a cottage industry began off the Connecticut coastline. Rum runners traveled into international waters 3 miles offshore to take the risk of carrying liquor back to the mainland. If they got caught by federal agents, the liquor was confiscated and the offenders faced prison time. Multiple cities along Long Island Sound offered ideal smuggling locations. East Haven’s Nellie Green and Bridgeport-based mobster Dutch Schultz were just two of the celebrated bootleggers during the 13-year Prohibition era. Since Connecticut was one of the two states that didn’t support the constitutional amendment to outlaw liquor, the state was a haven for those who didn’t want to give up their liquor.

Tue, Oct 27, 2026; 10:30 a.m.

Danbury-New Fairfield Women’s Club

OPEN TO CLUB MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ONLY